green-building-webtile.jpg
Share

Council is committed to achieving high-quality, sustainable development outcomes across the Northern Beaches.

The Design and Sustainability Advisory Panel (DSAP) provides independent expert advice on urban design, architecture, landscape architecture and sustainability for significant development applications. The Panel reviews applications subject to the Apartment Design Guide under the Housing SEPP, together with other major developments where design quality and built form are key considerations.

Meeting Schedule

DSAP meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month.

Applications, plans and supporting documentation must be lodged at least 14 days before the meeting date. Late submissions or amendments will be considered at the next available meeting.

Use of Panel Advice

DSAP recommendations may be used to:

  • Support design outcomes that achieve superior planning and design results.
  • Assess whether Panel recommendations have been addressed.
  • Inform Council's determination of a development application.

Charter

The Charter outlines the Panel's role, processes, membership and the types of development reviewed by the Panel.

Panel Structure

Each Panel consists of three members selected from an approved pool on a rotating basis:

  • Chair
  • Architect/Urban Design Expert
  • Sustainability Expert
  • Landscape Expert

Panel Members

Profiles of the appointed Design and Sustainability Advisory Panel members are provided below.

Chairperson

Stephen Collier – Stephen has 30+ years of experience in architecture and urban design and currently sits on both Bayside and Hornsby Shire’s design review panels. He has worked in both the public and private sectors including several years with the NSW Government’s Urban Design Advisory Service (UDAS).

Architects/Urban Design Experts

Jim Koopman – Jim has been the Director of architecture at Allen Jack + Cottier for the past 12 years. Jim’s experience ranges from a wide variety of master planning and urban design projects for public and private sector clients. He recently worked on the Linfield Village Hub for Ku-ring-gai Council and currently sits on the Bayside Council Design Review Panel. Jim is also a member of the Northern Beaches Strategic Reference Group Places for People.

Russell Olsson – Russell is the director of OLSSON Architecture and Urban Projects. He specialises in urban design, urban housing and community buildings. Russell was a member of the City of Sydney Planning team that won the Royal Australian Planning Institute’s Presidents Award and the National Planning Ministers Award. Russell is a member of the Parramatta Council Design Review Panel.

Simon Mather – Simon has a Masters in Architecture from the University of Technology Sydney and is the founder of MAKO Architecture. He has contributed to a range of large scale projects including the Sunnyfield Masterplan, Sustainable Sydney 2050 and the Montpellier Place Terraces.

Stefan Meissner - Stefan Meissner is an architect and Head of Urban Design at Colliers Urban Planning. He is a specialist in precinct-scale urban design and delivery. His work integrates political, economic, and social drivers into cohesive place strategies, translating complex and competing forces into high-quality urban outcomes. With experience spanning public, private, and academic sectors, he brings a holistic approach to shaping cities that are both strategic and deeply human. Stefan is a member of the State Design Review Panel and the Design Excellence Panel at Campbelltown City Council.

Landscape Experts

Esther Dickins – Esther is a registered landscape architect and urban designer with over 20 years’ experience. She has worked with clients in both the public and private sectors on projects including Coffs Harbour Hospital and The Canopy, Lane Cove. In 2019, she was appointed as a member of the Government Architect of NSW State Design Review Panel as part of the pilot program initiative for Landscape Architecture.

Guy Sturt – Guy has worked as a Landscape Architect since completing his degree in 1985. Throughout his career he has held positions in some of Australia's major Landscape Architectural firms. He has been principal since 1992 and both managed and designed on a range of projects including residential, public open space, environmental rehabilitation, commercial, industrial, tourism and seniors living development in various forms.

Ted Webster - Ted is a Registered Landscape Architect with a Certificate IV in Horticulture Parks and Gardens and has been practising in Australia for 27 years.  His appointments include Team Leader of Development Control for Ku-ring-gai Council, Tree Review Panel Member for Willoughby Council and he is currently Manager Open Space for Lane Cove Council while maintaining a small Landscape Architecture practice.

Sustainability Experts

Caroline Pidcock – Caroline has been running her own architectural practice for the past 28 years. In addition to her own practice, she is a Spokesperson for Australian Architects Declare a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency; Chair of 1 Million Women; member of the Beyond Zero Emissions Advisory Committee; a Member of the AIA Climate Action and Sustainability Taskgroup and is the Chair of the AIA Environment Design Guide Advisory Group. She is also teaching at a range of universities in NSW.

Katie Fallowfield – Katie holds a Masters Degree in Sustainable Design and is a Green Star Accredited Professional, NatHERS accredited Assessor and a LEED Accredited Professional. She has over 14 years’ experience in the Property Industry, and has worked as a Sustainable Design Consultant for WSP for over 12 years, providing design advice on major and minor developments ranging from precinct master planning and design, through to single dwelling or shop fit-out scale.